Of Flower-Power and End Results

2 Thess.3:5

Now may the Lord direct your hearts 

into the love of God 

and into the patience of Christ.

Sometimes, whether intentionally or not,

 in misfortune, some bring salt to rub in the shoulda-wish-I-woulda-wound.

Others, like my sweet sister, bring hugs and flowers.

Thank-you, Lucy💗

(to you, my gentle readers; never underestimate the power

of a hug and flowers)

Little do we know what circumstance awaits 

to test the readiness of love's reply

But this we do; Emmanuel (God with us) does not fail

 to help the fumbling likes of you and I 

Above an altar fixed beneath our hands and feet, 

God's mercy, new each morning fills the earth and skies 

The sacrifice we bring to Him (or not) 

will prove without a word of explanation,

 what we dearly prize/ where our treasure lies

Last week's 'tests' drew me to scriptures of encouragement to be faithful no matter what!,

This morning (because I am forgetful)  I returned to reread a few posts 

to re-remind me of God's promises!

 Wealth Beyond Measure

Run!

Life, ultimately, is a series of tests, isn't it?!

The true test, in all we dream and seek 

is whether its getting is for the pleasing and benefit of Self

or to bring honour and glory to God, the giver of each life!

Lord, purify my goals, delights and desires today

And waken a more fervent longing to trust You and obey

Lord, forge within my stubborn bent a meeker heart, I pray

 For Thou, Lord, art the Potter, oh, and I, Lord, am the clay

If in the end, it draws a soul to Thee

Lord, let me not despise Thy chastening

But echo these words ‘be it unto me’

Where the day of Thy grace is hastening

If in the end it bears eternal fruit

For Thy Kingdom, power and glory, Lord

And stays me from this world’s deadly pursuit

And saves me from a death none can afford

Then, without regret, worry or complaint

Forbid I cling to what cannot defend

But walk worthy of the call of the saint

If it draws a soul to Thee, in the end

So that Thy love would abound more and more

Confound the beast that does not boast of Thee

And reprimand the pride that you abhor

If in the end it yields humility

© Janet Martin

Glorious reminders in my morning reading today!